Coconuts are an all-purpose, amazing fruit, nut and seed where no part goes to waste.

In developed countries we use coconuts for commercial purposes. In tropical countries where coconuts are grown abundantly, it's not just the oil that has countless benefits, the milk, the meat, the bark and the palm leaves are re-purposed into something clever. It's magical really.

Here's a list of uses and benefits of the "all mighty" coconut:

1. Drinking the water keeps your body stay hydrated

**Also good for hangovers**

2. Reduces your sweet craving, eat it straight up from the jar or from the shell

3. Boosts nutrition in smoothies, by adding 1-2 tbsp of oil to any fruit/veggie smoothie

4. Moisturizer for face and body

5. Whip the oil into a rich body butter, by adding shea butter and a few drops of your favourite essential oil

6. Replaces shaving cream

7. Replaces other oils for cooking or frying

**Also great for sautéeing because the oil can withstand high heat without smoking**

8. Fermented sap creates alcohol

9. Leaves are woven to create accessories, brooms and roofs

10. Bark is used for mats, ropes and brushes

11. Hard shells create bowls, cutlery and other kitchen utensils

12. Oil removes crayons from walls

13. Prevents nosebleeds and dryness by moisturizing nostrils

14. Natural bug spray, alone or when mixed with tea tree oil

15. Natural sunscreen

**Oil has an SPF 4 and blocks 75% of UV radiation**

16. Replaces butter in baked goods and on popcorn

17. Great for greasing baking pans

18. Treats dandruff

**Massage 3-5 tbsp of oil into your scalp, let it sit there for an hour or two, then shampoo and condition your hair as you normally would**

19. Whitens teeth and gets ride of bacteria

**Swish 1-2 tbsp of oil in your mouth for 10-15 minutes, spit it out, rinse and brush your teeth as you normally would**

69. Coconut shells make an uncomfortable coconut bra, by cutting the coconut shell in half and stringing everything together

Coconuts are a popular super food. When a product becomes famous and trendy it gives birth to many brands producing it, importing it and modifying it.

In the Western world, it's easiest to get our hands on coconut water, milk and oil, all year round. I tend to buy the oil more so than the water and milk, because it's so versatile. I've had both good and bad experiences when experimenting with different brands.

Point being, it's good to know what to look out for when picking up a high quality product. When buying your next jar of coconut oil, here are a few key points you want the label to read: